'Fingers crossed': Celtic manager Neil Lennon gives James Forrest injury update

James Forrest is expected back in full training next week, Celtic manager Neil Lennon has revealed.

James Forrest in action in the Europa League qualifier in Riga in late September in which he sustained an ankle fracture that has kept him out since. (Photo by Sanita Sparane / SNS Group)

The winger has been out since September following ankle surgery but he could be on course to return to action before the end of February. “We’re hoping Jamsey will start back training with the squad at the start of next week. Fingers crossed on that,” he said. “He’s been out on the grass doing his rehab fitness work and the physios are confident he’ll be ready to join back in next week.”

Lennon believes it cannot be over-estimated how much the winger’s loss has been felt by the club amid the turmoil of this season. And the numbers demonstrate just what a pivotal performer Celtic have been denied for more than four months. Forrest contributed 16 goals and 22 assists in last season’s abridged title-winning term and across his 171 outings over the past four campaigns has 54 goals and 54 assists to his name. The 29-year-old’s contribution to the triple treble of 2018-19 earned him a personal double with the wide man landing the PFA Scotland and the Scottish Football Writers’ player of the year awards.

“We’ve missed him because he’s a quality player,” said the Celtic manager. “He’s proved that over the years, time and again, and been so successful. He had another magnificent session last year and started this season well again. But unfortunately for him he got a really bad injury and he’s had to be patient and go through all the right steps. But he’s nearly there now and he’ll be welcomed back.”

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